One of the pressing issues for users of PDA - it is a problem of information input, and therefore the emergence of new folding portable keyboards deserves special attention. Testing new versions of Stowaway keyboard for the iPAQ 3600, Palm III / VII, Hewlett Packard Jornada 540, and Handspring Visor turned into a report that is likely to help the user find out whether or not he buy this accessories. In general, the Stowaway folding keyboard is extremely popular. Over the past seven months by the sales volume they exceeded by several times of all its competitors.
Stowaway for iPAQ 3600
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Folding keyboard for the iPAQ Pocket PC during the test described as "an excellent addition to the best Pocket PC available. Novelty, on the assertions of test, practically devoid of drawbacks. Only, perhaps, the trouble is that connecting a keyboard to the iPAQ at first, problems may arise purely mechanical properties. Connector should "get used". But it is a matter of time. In other respects, enthusiastically said tester, a set of text gives its users a lot of fun and no problems. Everything that you want to start - is to install a special driver (72K), connect the keyboard to the PDA and click Power. The keyboard is equipped with special keys to launch different applications: Notes, Word, Excel, and Money. There is also a button to turn off the iPAQ, but for some reason there is no button to turn it on. In addition, the user can assign keyboard shortcuts to quickly launch programs of your choice. Included with the keyboard for the iPAQ 3600 you will find a short cable that lets you recharge the device while still working with text. During testing there were no problems with recognition of the keyboard driver. It does not matter whether the iPAQ is turned on or off when connecting the keypad or pre-reboot. Only in one case Stowaway did not recognize the driver: if the keyboard is connected immediately after the sync PDA with your PC. This problem can be avoided, you just vyklyucht PDA before connecting the Stowaway.
Stowaway for Palm III / VII
This keyboard has been called "traveler's dream-holder Palm'a". If you're going on a trip, the Stowaway keyboard will not only gain from the comfort of the text, but also help save precious space in your bag. Keyboard for Palm III / VII works fine. At first glance she seems fragile, but is actually quite "tight folded. Tester urges halt choice on Stowaway, as does not see in it shortcomings.
Stowaway for HP Jornada 540
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In appearance, this keyboard is no different from the models for the Visor and Palm. The same high build quality, the same full-size keys. However, there is a significant advantage - built-in keyboard, which can connect an external power source and recharge, so the CCP straight while typing. This is an obvious plus. The keyboard was originally designed for Pocket PC platform Windows CE, rather than PalmOS, which caused some specific changes. Combination of the Fn key with the arrows "left", "Right," "Up, down, produce actions similar to the Home, End, PgUp and PgDn. Quick Launch buttons, located on the right edge of the keyboard are used to quickly launch applications Inbox, Contacts, Calendar and Tasks, and in conjunction with the Fn - to run the Notes, Word, Excel, and Money. In addition, a big plus tester found the presence of key Numlock, which is especially useful when working with Excel. In the driver realized the macro quickly insert the date (Fn + D) and time (Fn + T). However, there are problems. The operating system automatically closes the keyboard driver whenever it is not used for a long time. That is, to use the keyboard to download it again. Therefore, for the convenience of the tester recommends adding it to the menu Start. Another advantage is the ability to use the keyboard simultaneously with the CF-modem. According to the test, the price is $ 99 - a tall to a few of the keyboard, as it is $ 20 more expensive models GoType Casio. But it is still a valuable addition to Jornad'e, so how does this PDA Serious alternative to the laptop.
Stowaway for the Handspring Visor
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Basically identical to the keyboard for Visor'a Stowaway for Palm. According to testers, it's a great novelty that justifies all the user's expectations. Originally considered a test for lack of lack of fasteners for the CPC at the center of the keyboard, but the daily use of it for three weeks showed that this technical error does not really matter. While for those who is typing what is called "lap", now may be a significant disadvantage. Great dignity Stowaway - the ability to use a keyboard and modem simultaneously. Sometimes when you connect the keyboard to Visor'u problems with recognition of its driver CPC. This modification of the keyboard suffers from the same disadvantage as the Stowaway for iPaq'a. PDA with a hard part of the keyboard connector, and it takes some time to get this unpleasant effect disappeared. And there's not difficult to guess the conclusion tester: Stowaway, again, the best solution to the problem of information input for your Visor'a. Sources, Materials:
